WCS Care, which runs three homes in Rugby for older people, will sign up all 650 staff as well and the charity’s Board of Directors to the Alzheimer’s Society’s national campaign to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

The Dementia Friends initiative, which runs between May 17 and 23, focuses on the principle that people with dementia can live better with a just little extra help and understanding from the general public.

Christine Asbury, WCS Care Chief Executive Officer, explained: “I have a relative living with dementia and I’ve already signed up as a dementia friend because I’ve seen first-hand its impact on daily life and how little some people understand the condition.

“The heart of this vital campaign is improving the quality of life for the thousands of people in Warwickshire who are living with dementia by helping the public to understand more about how it feels to live with dementia and how we can all support people.”

According to the latest estimates, there are 7,615 people living with dementia in Warwickshire and this is likely to rise to over 9000 people by 2021. If you want to become a Dementia Friend, all you have to do is watch a short film and then enter your details on the Dementia Friends’ website at www.dementiafriends.org.uk.

Christine added: “Throughout Dementia Awareness Week we’re also inviting all visitors to WCS care homes to sign up to be a Dementia Friend, too. It only takes five minutes, yet the impact it will have for people that are living with dementia will be really powerful.”

Pictured is Christine Asbury, WCS CEO, talking with Harry Sowden at Drovers House in Railway Terrace.